Ken Coleman thinks it should be made illegal for firefighters to strike (Oxford Mail, October 22).

I know from experience if your demands are not backed by the threat of strike action, meaningful negotiations do not take place.

Successive governments have betrayed firefighters, who are grossly under-valued. When their employers were about to make an improved offer, Tony Blair intervened and the offer was withdrawn.

The firefighters' union has no choice but to take the gloves off. I wish them the best of luck. Blair will soon cave in.

FRED TOWNS

Spare Acre Lane

Eynsham